Lead-Up to S31 @Sejje returns as the Hawks owner for the third consecutive season. His search for a GM landed @SJUSoccer9 giving Chicago two solid free contracts in their forward group. The Hawks resign two players that have been with the Hawks the past two seasons. @King Saffy has had two 50+ point and 16+ win seasons on Chicago's 3rd line earning him a resign at 1.25 million. @Duganator III has had similar success with two 17+ win seasons, and, with NHL 19 likely being an easy adjustment for his play-style, should be able to fill a big role for just 1.25 million. They also have @RoaringViper , the S30 Vezina winner, returning on his 1.5 million contract which is likely around 25 to 33 percent lower than what he would have went for in bidding. Bidding The Hawks had 7F, 5D, and a G spot open for bidding, but also drafted a couple several players that will start in the show. They get a bigger name off the board early at 8.5 in @D4D USA who should slot in next to @Sejje after his career year on that line with a personal-best 80 points and the Plus-minus Award in S29. Another big contract was @jdheagle- for 9.25 who will be making his LGHL debut on a line with @SJUSoccer9 ; all things considered probably a fair contract, but ballooned a bit as he was stuck in bidding for a bit. They had several 500k bids at forward in @ChrisTastik , @AJ9191 , and @Moecha Frap . @AJ9191 and @Moecha Frap are both guys that have earned big contracts seasons ago, but have been off the scene for awhile. @ChrisTastik (formerly BigintheBurgh) is switching to forward after being a top 4 defenseman the last few seasons, so we'll have to see how he adjusts. All 3 are pretty low-risk, high-reward contracts that I'd guess pay off for the Hawks. The last forward spot will be taken by @Moesof17john who many had high in the draft as a defenseman, but he signed up as forward. From a few trusted sources, he's better at RW than he was at D, so likely a good pickup in the draft will slot in on the top line. Defense was a little crazy in bidding, and it looks like the Hawks stayed away from some of the big contracts that were being handed out. They get @IMSLlMSHADY and @Hooter who played together on S29 Vegas and both on discounts from their last contracts (just a combined 3.25 million this season). For a third pair they get two 500k pickups in @Pure Pone and @Nuckles37 . Maybe a little risky, but usually you just need your 3rd pair to concentrate on defense and both should be capable of doing that. As a few suspected, @TyLaC , the 4th overall pick, will be making his debut this season, and on the top pair. He's reportedly a strong two-way defenseman, and I'd imagine he'll get plenty of opportunity offensively with @D4D USA and @Duganator III on his line. They just needed a backup goalie in bidding and picked up @Endosmoke69 who struggled at times with being consistent in parts of NHL and AHL seasons. With some improvements to goalie in NHL 19 compared to NHL 18, I'd expect he's more than capable of being worth his 500k contract this season, though. Current (Projected) Roster Forwards: @Sejje @D4D USA @Moesof17john @jdheagle- @SJUSoccer9 @Moecha Frap @ChrisTastik @AJ9191 @King Saffy Defense: @TyLaC @Duganator III @IMSLlMSHADY @Hooter @Pure Pone @Nuckles37 Goalies: @RoaringViper @Endosmoke69 Summary The Hawks, like many teams, just need to get the most out of their cheaper contracts. They acquired a strong one-two punch on C and LW, and they have a trusted player in @King Saffy on their 3rd line who has proven himself in that role. It'll be up to the 500k guys to prove their worth and grind out some wins. The 3rd and 4th overall picks from the draft will be making their debut, but I wouldn't worry about them as they step into a very good situation with 3 successful veterans and a Vezina-winning goalie behind them. Two lines capable of 17+ wins and a 3rd line with something to prove seems like it makes the Hawks a dangerous team going into S31. Key Additions: @SJUSoccer9 (as GM), @D4D USA @jdheagle- @Moesof17john @TyLaC Key Departures: @AzDvo , @AMalcs , @TurboYuri , @Fn Waz , @Kopi , @Easy Macaroni
Great write-up man. Did a good job with it. Also, This is such a great media idea, I have read each one and look forward to the remaining teams. You guys keep up the good work.
I'm super excited to see what this team can do. Really happy that I ended up here. Honestly though, very good write up. Keep up the good work for the rest of the league.
Hahah new to the league so it's pretty cool to see guys do write ups like this. Well done man you got my read everytime
Key Departures: @AzDvo , @AMalcs , @TurboYuri , @Fn Waz , @Kopi , @Easy Macaroni How the hell did we lose first round last season :(
Great write up goon, needed to seenlittle bit more about me but it’s cool... haha jk good write up man